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House of Usher (1960 American International Pictures Film)
The Fall of the House of Usher, or simply House of Usher, is an American International Picture that was directed by film horror legend Roger Corman. Amazingly this movie was shot in only fifteen days. No horror collection can be complete without Roger Corman or movies based on the “Poe Cycle” of films. House of Usher is one such movie that must be apart of everyone’s collection. This was the first film in the series of films based on Edgar Allen Poe‘s works. Staring equally legendary Vincent Price.
The United States National Film Registry added the film to it’s repository in 2005, stating that the film was “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” In 2010, House of Usher was shown in Prospect Park by Marco Benevento, where a new musical score and trippy overlays were added in commemoration of the film’s 50th anniversary.
This was the first film by American International Pictures to be in full color as opposed to the black and white movies they’ve built their empire on. Waning interest in black and white prompted a need to spend the extra money on colorization, special effects, and higher caliber actors. The risk on this film which would prove be a gamble that paid off. AIP called the film it’s “most ambitious film to date.” With a budget of $300,000 it more than quadrupled it’s profit in the box office.
Other companies also tried to cash in on the Poe hysteria. Other such movies (many staring Vincent Price) were announced such as Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Gold Bug, Masque of the Red Death, and The Raven just to name a few. All of which are fantastic movies.
There are a few differences from the film to the short stories but they are really of no consequence. The movies are fantastic, beautiful, and down right frightening. Be sure to lock the front door and turn out the lights! Oh and never mind the earthquakes and the occasional howling from your basement.
I’m sure it’s nothing.
The gremlins strike again. Unfortunately House of Usher was removed so instead we give you the 1989 version instead.
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